Models of disabilities
The Medical Model of Disability
- Definition
- The medical model views disability as a personal problem arising from disease, trauma, or other health conditions. It emphasizes medical care and individual treatment by professionals, aiming for a “cure” or adaptation to “normal” functioning.
Source
University of Illinois course KIN 249
Key Points
- Focus on the individual: disability is seen as inherent to the person, not influenced by the environment.
- Medical intervention: cure or management of the impairment is prioritized.
- Social exclusion: people with disabilities may feel undervalued and pressured to conform.
Strengths
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| Addresses biological sources | Provides medical solutions for managing or curing disabilities. |
| Acknowledges medical needs | Recognizes the real-life challenges faced due to impairments. |
Weaknesses
- Ignores social barriers: overlooks environmental factors that limit accessibility and participation.
- Pathologizes disability: defines disability as a negative deviation from “normal” function.
- Dependence on medical professionals: places control over the individual’s life in the hands of others.
Examples
| Example | Description |
|---|---|
| A person in a wheelchair unable to enter a building due to stairs | Illustrates the need for ramps and accessible design to accommodate mobility impairments. |
| A person with red-green color blindness unable to differentiate project status based on color alone | Highlights the importance of using text labels for visual information to ensure accessibility for those with visual impairments. |
| A person with hearing loss struggling to understand a meeting without amplification | Emphasizes the need for hearing assistance technologies and inclusive communication practices to accommodate those with hearing impairments. |
The Social Model of Disability
- Definition
- The social model views disability as a socially constructed problem arising from barriers and limitations imposed by the environment and society, rather than solely from individual impairments. It emphasizes the need for societal change and inclusion to ensure full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Source
University of Illinois, KIN 249
Key Points
- Environmental focus: disability is seen as created by social barriers, not by the individual.
- Collective responsibility: society, not individuals, is responsible for removing these barriers.
- Human rights perspective: equal access for everyone, regardless of ability, is a fundamental right.
- Proactive approach: actively designing solutions to remove disabling barriers in all areas.
Strengths
- Empowers people with disabilities: recognizes their right to participate and advocates for social change.
- Highlights environmental barriers: identifies specific obstacles that need to be addressed.
- Promotes inclusion and accessibility: encourages creating a barrier-free society for everyone.
Weaknesses
- May downplay individual challenges: can overlook the real-life difficulties faced due to individual impairments.
- Potential political conflict: advocating for social justice may not always align with other political agendas.
Examples
| Situation | Medical Model | Social Model |
|---|---|---|
| Building access | Person finds individual solution (e.g., motorized wheelchair) | Building has ramps or elevators for everyone |
| Education materials | Only available in print format | Available in print, digital, and audio formats to suit different learning styles |
| Job interview | Focuses on applicant’s limitations | Focuses on creating accessible interview environment and workplace accommodations |
Biopsychosocial Model of Disability
Definition
Integrates medical and social models, recognizing complex interplay of:
- Biological factors
- Psychological factors
- Socio-environmental factors
Key Points
- Combines strengths of medical and social models
- Addresses whole person in social context
- Focuses on environmental factors (physical, social, attitudinal)
- Promotes self-efficacy and social support
Strengths
- Holistic approach to disability
- Emphasizes person-environment interaction
- Promotes empowerment and social support
Weaknesses
- Complexity can lead to confusion
- Challenges in identifying specific causes
Examples
| Situation | Biopsychosocial Approach |
|---|---|
| Workplace videoconference | Flexible participation options (e.g., audio-only) to accommodate psychological needs |
| Hospital wayfinding signs | Clear and easy-to-read design for stressed and disoriented patients |
Economic Model of Disability
Definition
- Defines disability based on inability to participate in work.
- Assesses impact of impairment on productivity and economic consequences.
- Considers costs for individual, employer, and state.
- Related to charity model.
Strengths
- Recognizes impact of bodily limitations on work ability.
- Acknowledges potential need for economic support and accommodations.
Weaknesses
- Creates stigmatizing category of “needy” individuals.
- Limits support to those meeting legal “disabled” criteria.
- Potential for disputes and lack of access to needed support.
Example
Policymakers use the model to distribute benefits to those unable to fully participate in work. However, conflicts with the medical model for classifying disability can lead to confusion and policy coordination issues.
Functional Solutions Model
Definition
- Identifies functional limitations due to disability.
- Creates and promotes solutions to overcome limitations.
- Focuses on technological and methodological innovation.
- Deemphasizes sociopolitical aspects, prioritizes practical solutions.
Key Points
- Results-oriented approach to real-world challenges.
- Commonly used by accessibility professionals.
Strengths
- Directly addresses functional challenges.
- Seeks practical solutions to improve daily life.
Weaknesses
- May overlook sociopolitical aspects of disability.
- Potential for solutions to be impractical or unaffordable.
- May neglect underlying socioeconomic causes of challenges.
Examples
| Solution | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Amazon Show and Tell | Identifies objects for visually impaired users |
| Android LiveCaption | Automatically captions speech |
Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation Model
Definition
- Identity derived from membership in a group with shared experiences.
- Most evident in Deaf community due to shared language and culture.
- Applies to other disability communities with common experiences.
Key Points
- Disability embraced as source of identity and pride.
- Groups can advocate for change and exert political power.
Strengths
- Positive self-perception and community acceptance.
- Empowerment through collective action.
Weaknesses
- Potential for exclusion of those who don’t fit group norms.
- Risk of alienation from broader society.
Example
“Deaf gain” perspective in Deaf community:
- Emphasis on language and culture, not hearing loss.
- Capital “D” in Deaf signifying cultural identity.
Charity Model of Disability
Definition
- Views people with disabilities as unfortunate and in need of external assistance.
- Positions those providing charity as benevolent helpers.
- Often perceived as offensive by people with disabilities.
Strengths
- Can motivate contributions of time and resources to support those with disabilities.
Weaknesses
- Can be condescending and reinforce a sense of pity and dependence.
- Focuses on short-term needs, often overlooking long-term solutions.
Example
Televised children-in-need appeals often depict disabled children alongside victims of other circumstances to raise funds. While successful in raising money, these appeals can reinforce the victim image and be perceived as offensive by many people with disabilities.
Key Points
- Considered an outdated model by disability rights advocates.
- Has been replaced by more empowering models like the social model and human rights model.
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